Best Practices of Student Service Learning

1. The Student Meets a Recognized Need in the Community

   • Examines pressing community needs (preparation)
   • Develops strategies to address problems associated with community needs (preparation)
   • Provides direct, indirect and/or advocacy service (action)
    

2. The Student Achieves Curricular Objectives

   • Uses academic standards to establish mastery objectives (preparation)
   • Applies academic learning to recognized community needs (preparation, reflection, action)
   • Assesses progress toward and attainment of mastery objectives (preparation, action)
    

3. The Student Gains Necessary Knowledge and Skills

   • Explores citizenship and career options (preparation, action)
   • Understands expectations associated with participation (preparation)
   • Cooperates with team members and community partners (action)
    

4. The Student Plans Ahead

   • Identifies tasks, timelines and outcomes (preparation)
   • Assesses own skills and interests (preparation)
   • Takes leadership opportunities (preparation, action)
    

5. The Student Works with Existing Service Organizations

   • Identifies nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations with which to partner (preparation)
   • Creates collaborative, reciprocal relationships through involvement (action)
   • Respects the human dignity and contributions of others (action, reflection)
    

6. The Student Develops Responsibility

   • Evaluates own performance (reflection)
   • Strengthens character through civic engagement (action)
   • Participates in a range of service opportunities (action)
    

7. The Student Reflects Throughout the Experience

   • Evaluates overall impact of service and learning (reflection)
   • Analyzes what was learned from multiple perspectives (reflection)
   • Explores next steps to continue service-learning involvement (reflection)
    

2-06 Adapted from Maryland’s Seven Best Practices of Service-Learning.